E93-E93 335is - successor to the ZHP?

[VAB5]

Pardon me if this has been posted before. I just came across the 335is, a limited model slotted in between the 335i and M3. Seems to me similar in concept to the ZHP. Any have any experience with one? I may have to add it to my list.

From Wikipedia:



335is (2011–2013)

The 335is was produced in coupé and convertible models for the North American market. It sat between the regular 335i and the M3 in the model line-up, and approximately 6,300 units were produced. The 335is uses a higher performance version (N54T) of the N54 engine from the 2006-2013 335i, which increases boost from 8.7 to 11.6 PSI. This results in 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, plus an overboost function raises torque to 370 lb-ft for up to 7 seconds.

The 335is has stiffer engine mounts and an upgraded cooling system, with a heavy-duty radiator fan and two heat exchangers, one an engine oil cooler, the other a secondary coolant radiator. To accommodate these heat exchangers, which are located ahead of each front wheel, the 335is has larger air openings, similar to the M3. Fog lights were removed from the coupé version to allow for the openings, although they remain on the convertible version. In addition, the 335is is equipped with a revised, high-flow exhaust system, with the twin exhaust pipes finished in matte black, and a rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser-style piece.

Transmission options were a 7-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) with launch control (Same DCT transmission as the M3 but with different software programming) or a 6-speed manual transmission controlled by a short-throw "M" stick. The manual transmission has a heavy-duty clutch with more holding power than the regular 335i.

Interior upgrades include a thicker, "M" steering wheel, "M" steel pedals, standard sport seats, "M" door sills, and textured aluminium trim with "335is" badging on dash and in instrument cluster. Exterior differences are black kidney grills, and "Style 313" split-five spoke "M" wheels in 18-inch or 19-inch size, standard Shadowline window trim (instead of chrome), gloss-black side mirrors (instead of body colored mirrors).

[BCS_ZHP]

335is is a must add to your must drive/own list. Tighter suspension and steering than a normal 2011-2013, they retained the older N54 engine with twin turbos vice the twin scroll turbo of the N55, plus it has a software/boost trick. When you get on it, the first 7-8 seconds hyper-boosts the turbo, it’s press you back in your seat acceleration like an old muscle car. I have heard, but never tried it, that the 335is was faster off the line from a dead stop than the same era M3 but the M3’s higher horsepower starts to show at about 6-7 seconds. So you might win a launch but you’re not going to win a full dig to 1320 ft. And then that N54 motor has more power to unleash via mods, one of my son’s friends is pushing upper 400’s in his relatively tame daily driver. Though we had a 6 spd, I drove a couple of DCTs and you cannot humanly shift as fast or smooth as the DCT does it. It’s an impressive car and hasn’t been discovered yet, you can get into a low mileage example for around $20K, possibly less if you’re lucky as most non-BMW dealers think it’s a regular 335 coupe/conv.

[Newjack]

335is is a must add to your must drive/own list. Tighter suspension and steering than a normal 2011-2013, they retained the older N54 engine with twin turbos vice the twin scroll turbo of the N55, plus it has a software/boost trick. When you get on it, the first 7-8 seconds hyper-boosts the turbo, it’s press you back in your seat acceleration like an old muscle car. I have heard, but never tried it, that the 335is was faster off the line from a dead stop than the same era M3 but the M3’s higher horsepower starts to show at about 6-7 seconds. So you might win a launch but you’re not going to win a full dig to 1320 ft. And then that N54 motor has more power to unleash via mods, one of my son’s friends is pushing upper 400’s in his relatively tame daily driver. Though we had a 6 spd, I drove a couple of DCTs and you cannot humanly shift as fast or smooth as the DCT does it. It’s an impressive car and hasn’t been discovered yet, you can get into a low mileage example for around $20K, possibly less if you’re lucky as most non-BMW dealers think it’s a regular 335 coupe/conv.

Throw on some catless downpipes, intercooler and a stage 2+ tune and baby you got yourself a stew going

[BCS_ZHP]

That’s part of what my son’s friend has done, he also added an LSD for fun and BBK for when it’s time to decelerate.

[RUS_ZHP]

I think it's pretty cool and rear car. I've them few times and liked the little details that made it look different from a regular 335.
I never drove it, but I think that overboost must be nice during the launch.
The only thing I do not like is that it's missing two doors. I am not much a coupe guy.

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[derbo]

I think it's pretty cool and rear car. I've them few times and liked the little details that made it look different from a regular 335.
I never drove it, but I think that overboost must be nice during the launch.
The only thing I do not like is that it's missing two doors. I am not much a coupe guy.

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I'm with you on the coupe thing. ;)

Dustin just sold his AW ZHP to buy an AW E92is DCT. Pretty sure he is loving it now as it also has a Dinan Stage 3 tune on it.

[Newjack]

That’s part of what my son’s friend has done, he also added an LSD for fun and BBK for when it’s time to decelerate.

PO threw and OS Giken Superlock LSD on my car. Turning off DSC and punching second gets me six to midnight every time its such a blast. I'm still used to the ZHP open diff so having that extra traction is something else boy howdy shuckem up

[cornercarver]

Pardon me if this has been posted before. I just came across the 335is, a limited model slotted in between the 335i and M3. Seems to me similar in concept to the ZHP. Any have any experience with one? I may have to add it to my list.
There are more discussions in the "Similar Threads" at the bottom of this page...

[RUS_ZHP]

I'm with you on the coupe thing. ;)

Dustin just sold his AW ZHP to buy an AW E92is DCT. Pretty sure he is loving it now as it also has a Dinan Stage 3 tune on it.That what he ended up buying. That AW ZHP was nice. But, power of 335 is probably very addictive, especially with with some light mods.

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[fredo]

FWIW, there's one for sale locally (2012 with 73k miles) for $17,899 :

https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/2012-bmw-335is-special-price/6639192287.html

No black grilles. :scratchinghead

[joeybananaz18]

FWIW, there's one for sale locally (2012 with 73k miles) for $17,899 :

https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/2012-bmw-335is-special-price/6639192287.html

No black grilles. :scratchinghead

iirc, the DCT was specific to the 335is and M3. Between the dash trim, gloss black exhaust tips and IS specific rear diffusor, id' say this is legit.

[Cabrio330]

I have owned several ZHPs (convertibles and sedans, 6-speeds and Steps) and one E93 335is with the DCT. The 335is is a special car, much like the ZHP found a perfect spot in between the regular 330 and M3. My absolute favorite trait of the 335is: the exhaust note under acceleration is sublime! Even my wife - who generally has no appreciation for cars - would complain if I did not have the top down AND the accelerator down when we traveled under long overpasses or through tunnels or beside highway retaining walls, where the exhaust sound bounces back at you.

A warning: if you buy a 335is and then sell it, you will always be looking to pick up another one. Just like I have done with the ZHP!

[ZHPizza]

A warning: if you buy a 335is and then sell it, you will always be looking to pick up another one. Just like I have done with the ZHP!

That's it. That's your answer to the thread. The tell-tale story of ZHP ownership is alive and well with the 335is.

[webster]

how's the reliability on these? did they have the same HPFP issues as earlier N54 cars?

[BCS_ZHP]

335is is a N54 engine so some risk exists for issues with HPFP, turbos, and the periodic intake manifold cleaning. The HPFP on our 335is crapped out 3-4 days after we bought it. Called my dealer and BMW NA even though the car was definitely out of warranty. BMW NA provided the HPFP for free, my dealer spilt the labor charge with me, a $1500 repair only cost me $500-ish. And I didn’t buy this car from the dealer, I had bought it from a fellow enthusiast. That was great customer service.

[az3579]

Isn't there a 12 year warranty on the high pressure fuel pumps now?

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[Sockethead]

Most likely, HPFP failures have already occurred on the older cars. Other issues with the n54 are waste gate rattle on the turbos, failing injectors and the common BMW gasket failure. The electric water pump is a $1500 replacement at the dealership but I've done that in the 135 and it was just as easy as replacing say, an alternator or power steering pump. It's just another accessory hanging off the engine.
As far as walnut blasting, yes this is periodic maintenance on this engine as well as any engine with direct injection although you hear about it more on the n54 for some reason...

[BCS_ZHP]

Isn't there a 12 year warranty on the high pressure fuel pumps now?

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BP, I think the HPFP warranty is 10 years, but the wording states it only covers thru model year 2010, so in essence it’s only until 2020, 2 more years. I believe that’s because they swapped to N55 in model year 2011 on everything except the 335is which was built from 2011-2013. And that’s what was the bone of contention when I called BMW NA, I had to work up their chain of command before I found someone willing to support the real intent of their HPFP warranty for the N54 vice the exact way it’s currently worded.

[az3579]

Wow. 'is' owners got shafted.

[webster]

So...not reliable at all. Got it. Carry on.

[joeybananaz18]

So...not reliable at all. Got it. Carry on.

M54 and N54, even though just one letter off, are night and day in terms of reliability. That’s at least my experience.
I know they made an F32 435 zhp. I’d be very curious to know how close that comes to the spirit of the e46 zhp.


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[johnrando]

Most likely, HPFP failures have already occurred on the older cars. Other issues with the n54 are waste gate rattle on the turbos, failing injectors and the common BMW gasket failure. The electric water pump is a $1500 replacement at the dealership but I've done that in the 135 and it was just as easy as replacing say, an alternator or power steering pump. It's just another accessory hanging off the engine.
As far as walnut blasting, yes this is periodic maintenance on this engine as well as any engine with direct injection although you hear about it more on the n54 for some reason...


BP, I think the HPFP warranty is 10 years, but the wording states it only covers thru model year 2010, so in essence it’s only until 2020, 2 more years. I believe that’s because they swapped to N55 in model year 2011 on everything except the 335is which was built from 2011-2013. And that’s what was the bone of contention when I called BMW NA, I had to work up their chain of command before I found someone willing to support the real intent of their HPFP warranty for the N54 vice the exact way it’s currently worded.

Great info Bruce, Rob!

[Sockethead]

So...not reliable at all. Got it. Carry on.

I wouldn't say that the N54 isn't reliable. Kristen's 135 was putting out close to 500 HP for about 6 years of ownership... no issues other than the maintenance issues I mentioned. Some dealers will goodwill things that are known issues like injectors

[Newjack]

I wouldn't say that the N54 isn't reliable. Kristen's 135 was putting out close to 500 HP for about 6 years of ownership... no issues other than the maintenance issues I mentioned. Some dealers will goodwill things that are known issues like injectors

You just have to stay on top of a few basic things and shouldn't have to worry. The gaskets were already done by Kristen before I got the car so it should be fine for a few years. Walnut blasting isn't hard or that expensive either, just need a few tools that you can buy for cheap online. 3D printing is great for these special tools btw.

Fingers crossed that I don't have any major issues. Just regular maintenance items like plugs, coil packs and oil changes

[Sockethead]

Kristen just replaced the coils shortly before you bought it, Also, it only has a few thousand miles since the last walnut blast. New plugs are in that box of 135 goodies I sent you :) Yer GTG my friend!

[fredo]

The gaskets were already done by Kristen before I got the car so it should be fine for a few years.


What gaskets are we talking about ?

[Newjack]

What gaskets are we talking about ?

Primarily the oil filter housing gasket, its a known failure point just like the ZHP. If BMW would just use viton gaskets this wouldn't be an issue.... :foottap

Rob, that's good to know about the coils I was thinking about getting a set to have on hand but I think I'll wait a bit and do some research to see if there is anything aftermarket better than OEM. If I know Kristen, she probably went OEM on the coils which is perfect.

[Sockethead]

The usual suspects:
OFHG VCG oil pan gasket